Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
community connector
Volume 12, Number 36 | October 15 - October 21, 2020
ALL THAT JAZZ
Mike Abbott and the rest of 2B3 were just some of many musicians stationed around Willits and downtown Basalt for two days of "Pumpkin Jazz" last weekend — but their placement at Keating Fine Art made it a treat for the eyes as well as the ears. Photo by Sue Rollyson
Carbondale/Cowen Center.
Brand new car wash !
5 *limited everyday * time offer !
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LETTERS My opinion Dear Editor: Ms. Janiga asked my opinion on how to help and house the homeless. So I asked Google for an answer. I found Garfield County offers shelters, supportive housing, halfway housing, womens' shelter, senior housing and payment assistance. Human services helps with food and medical, heating and emergency expenses. Plus there's Catholic Charities, Lift Up, Feed My Sheep and many other churches helping. Google listed 13 state entities that help the poor and homeless. Garco has 19 mental health referrals and the state lists12. Google lists 16 referrals to help alcoholics. Seems we're already helping the poor and homeless pretty well. There are as many reasons for being homeless as there are homeless people, but generally it results from choices made. Over 40 years ago I lived on the streets of Venice Beach while working at a bar in Santa Monica No one at work knew I lacked a home. The public showers at the beach were cold and I slept with a bayonet in my sleeping bag, but I got by. When I tired of this lifestyle I worked harder and got a home. What I'm saying is people have to want help and want to change that lifestyle. Otherwise we are just enabling bad habits and bad choices that don't help anyone. Also I'd like to thank all those good people that make all this help possible. Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Something smells Dear Editor: Pursuant to the reelection of Republican Commissioners Mike Samson and John Martin to the Garfield County BOCC, I have a suggestion for the two Democrat Party candidates in their campaigns to unseat the longtime incumbents: As you know, all three Republican Garfield County Commissioners (Samson, Martin and Tom Jankovsky) claim to have been maintaining a “balanced budget” for the last ten years. Okay; if that is true, I propose the two Democrat challengers implement forthwith a CORA action demanding to know the exact amounts of cash-on-hand (reserves) in all of the county’s bank accounts beginning in November 2014, when Mrs. Karla Bagley of Silt Mesa was first elected as the Garfield County Treasurer and the cash-onhand (reserves) in all of the Garfield County bank accounts five and a half years later on March 13, 2020 when Mrs. Karla Bagley resigned. I further propose that Garfield County Finance Director Theresa Wagenman is the proper GarCo employee to certify, under penalty of perjury, that the amounts of cash (reserves) in all of the county’s bank accounts during the tenure of Mrs. Karla Bagley were in fact “balanced.” In other words, Theresa Wagenman will swear, under oath and penalty of perjury, the claims of the three Republican incumbents (Samson, Martin and Jankovsky) are correct — that in fact Garfield County is and and has been maintaining a “balanced budget,” by certifying within the CORA action, the cash-on-hand (reserves) in all of the Garfield County bank accounts in November 2014, was equal to the cash-on-hand in all of the county’s bank accounts in March of 2020. Carl. L. McWilliams Glenwood Springs
Don’t mail late Dear Editor On Sept. 29, a first class letter was mailed to me from Carbondale. A second postmark was from Grand Junction on Sept. 30. The letter arrived at my rural mailbox (five miles from where it started) on Oct. 3. Please return your ballot ASAP especially if you plan on mailing it. Better yet, get it to a dropbox so you can be sure it gets to the right place. Lee Beck Carbondale
Being counted Dear Editor I was wondering if my signature is identical with the one on my driver’s license, for voting, and sure enough, I’m going to need to practice signing the way I did before hurting my hand. I‘ll vote early, and rush it to the closest county precinct box, at my town hall, (though I can drop it in any Colorado county box or mailbox). Impatient as I am for a new President Elect, I won’t mind waiting for a full count. John Hoffmann Carbondale
Voter fraud and lightning Dear Editor: Across our nation, we are reminded by democrats and progressives that President Trump has zero proof of any widespread voter fraud; it doesn’t exist. We’ve even been told that an individual will be struck by lightning more often than a voter might commit voter fraud in a presidential election. Could that be true? In an average year, 700 people will feel a tingling sensation or more from being struck by lightning; it’s fortunate that only about 25 will die. Our nation’s turmoil will be unprecedented if this election mirrors the fraud found in New York City’s Democratic primary election of June 23, 2020. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an order making it easy to vote by mail. The State provided pre-paid envelopes with ballots for voters. The votes received were 403,103. The mail in ballots rejected were 84,108, 26.4 percent of the final valid vote of 318,995. The correct vote count, for this small-scale election, was not confirmed until 42 days after the close of voting. The projected number of voters for our nation’s Nov. 3 election is 156,000,000. Yes, the chance our national election results may come close to New York’s approaches zero, however, using New York’s staggering numbers, 40 million of our nation’s ballots could be rejected. Former President Jimmy Carter, co-chaired the 2005 commission on Federal Election Reform, found that the largest source of voter fraud was mail in ballots. Today, Carter has great confidence in the integrity of mail in ballots and believes voter fraud is baseless. Which Jimmy Carter will be right? Floyd Diemoz Glenwood Springs
Honest representation Dear Editor: In a country where we are continually bombarded with divisive messaging, I am honored to know someone as genuine as our current House District 57 Representative Perry Will. He is a native Coloradan and has a deep understanding of the people here and what is crucial to our way of life. While others throw around the term
“bipartisan” like a buzzword, Rep. Will embodies that philosophy in how he approaches issues. In fact, last year I sat down with him to discuss the critical need for local library funding. Rep. Will took notes, asked intelligent questions, and genuinely listened to what I had to say. He decided to endorse our measure, not because of any political party, but instead because he realized the important role libraries play in our communities. You can also get a glimpse into his character by looking at all the awards and endorsements he has received in his relatively short time in office. He was named the “Freshman Legislator of the Year” by the Independent Bankers of Colorado, The Colorado Civil Justice League’s “2020 Common Sense in the Courtroom Award,” and was named in Healthier Colorado’s Legislative Scorecard as one of the top elected officials who “received the highest scores in the Colorado Legislature on supporting crucial pieces of legislation which made care more accessible.” He has been endorsed by the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, and Colorado Dental Association just to name a few. We need more people like Rep. Will in the legislature who can bring honesty and critical thinking to the voice of rural Colorado. Please join me in voting for him this November. Emily Hisel Rifle
Thinking ahead Dear Editor: What will the world be like for our descendants? Be proactive and support meaningful change that will help today and into the future. With the power of your vote, you can make a difference. We can move past stale, nostalgic and partisan thinking to enlightened, fresh, more representative and adaptive decisionmaking. Our county leadership has been stuck in the past, “hitching their wagons” to fossil fuel extraction. Their support of and dependence on the natural gas industry ignores market realities and risks the health and well-being of our environment and residents. Opposing sage grouse protections and regulations on operations, to supporting the Jordon Cove pipeline to export natural gas are indicative of their singlemindedness. Locally, we survived the empty promise of oil shale and closure of two local coal mines. Other mines are closing with the move away from fossil fuels. Xcel, Black Hills Energy, Holy Cross and others are transitioning to renewable energy. Glenwood and Aspen use 100 percent renewable energy. Even China is committing to be carbonfree by 2060. Garfield County must adapt to these changes and not cling to being the outmoded “energy savior” for our country or Asia. We should no longer sacrifice our environment, wildlife and health of our residents nor allocate millions of dollars to fight against protections. Our region is successfully transitioning away from extraction dependency. The development of solar facilities has increased. With the geography of Moab and Fruita, mountain biking has increased in popularity. Tourism and recreation are an increasing draw, without the demand to provide housing for service workers. The people, animals and environment should not be “collateral damage” from extraction impacts. We are poised for greater successes working together, cooperating and identifying with Continued on page 16
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
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Donate by mail or online. P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center. Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them. Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young Colin Laird • Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
Film gives students a voice By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff As viewers take inspiration for adventure from the online 5Point Adventure Film Festival event this week, a group of local teens will be looking to the content and the craft to spark works of their own. It’s a new take on the VOICES program’s series of autobiographical theatre projects, tailored to the times, galvanized by partnership with 5Point and Bridges High School and backed by an Arts in Society grant. The alternative public school’s approach brings the program into the regular school day for the first time, and will provide 11 seniors the chance to fulfill their capstone requirements in the process. And they’ll have the help of an experienced team of local and national teaching artists: Chris Naum and Lindsey Hagen, an award-winning filmmaking duo with a focus on emotive, raw storytelling for cause-related initiatives; Cassidy Willey, a local theater artist with a proven track record of creating dynamic, original theater with youth; and Arturo Williams, who will lead students in composing their film score. It’s something VOICES director Renee Prince would never have tried on her own. “We were looking for a way to amplify youth voices, and it felt like a really smart time for 5Point and VOICES to work together,” she said. “It’s such an intimate art form. It really opens up the possibility of seeing the day-to-day real important people and places.” But besides the medium — and some
consideration for the five points of respect, commitment, humility, purpose and balance — the process remains more or less the same. “Story is story, and that’s a core value for all of us,” Prince said.“ What the audience sees is a tapestry of all of the people on stage. We didn’t sit down and write a linear story and script it — we’ve given them tools to share and express aspects of their lives we feel will benefit the whole community.” “I really desperately miss being able to gather live in a space and want to return to theatre, but keep this partnership as well,” she added. “It’s been a really pleasant surprise for us in the midst of a really challenging year.” She made a point of highlighting the efforts of Bridges High School teacher Adam Carballeira to bring it all together. For his part, Carballeira was thrilled. “It’s the best dream of public schools to have the community in there helping,” he said. “It’s so cool for my students to be working with these professional filmmakers and choreographers and musicians. So often they don’t get a chance to see adults in the wild.” Even better, in his estimation, is the opportunity to share the kids’ voices with the community. “I’ve been reading their stories since the beginning, but now other people are going to be able to see how amazing and complex these kids can be,” he said. Filming will continue through midNovember, so it will be a bit before folks get to see the finished product, but we’ll let you know when an online screening is scheduled.
Meet the Candidates Beatriz Soto
BeatrizforGarfield.com Garfield County Commissioner District 2
Architect. Entrepreneur. Community leader. Beatriz knows that listening, collaboration and innovative ideas are key to building a strong, resilient future for Garfield County.
Leslie Robinson
LeslieRobinson2020.net Garfield County Commissioner District 3
For over 40 years, Leslie has advocated for the health and safety of county residents. She has the courage to challenge outdated leadership and the vision to create a strong future.
Colin Wilhelm
ColinCaresForColorado.com Colorado House District 57 Colin will work to lower health care costs, protect our rivers and create new jobs. As your representative, Colin will prioritize listening to YOU.
Karl Hanlon
KarlHanlon.com Colorado Senate District 8 Rancher. Park Ranger. Advocate. Karl is committed to protecting our public lands and rivers, putting our public health before politics, and bringing our economy back.
Diane Mitsch Bush
DianeforColorado.com US Congress District 3 Diane is experienced and trusted. She work to preserve family agriculture, expand job training, protect DACA recipients, and fight climate change.
Mayling Simpson
MaylingforSchools.com State Board of Education District 3
The mostly-distanced project will get more hands on time beginning next week. Courtesy photo
5Point Online
More than 50 adventure films screen over five days, with an award ceremony on Sunday evening.
Programming highlights include films by several 5Point filmmaker alumni: • The Mystery by Forest Woodward • Concrete Solitude by Perry Gershkow • TranSending by Lindsey Hagen • Games of Survival by Nicolas Natale Each program is hosted by some of 5Point’s favorite hosts and guests including Wade Newsom and Paddy O’Connell, along with new host faces including Russ Chapman, Jen Zeuner, and Anne Keller.
Visit 5pointfilm.org for tickets and passes
Dr. Simpson will be a voice for rural Colorado kids, teachers, and parents. Her decades of experience in public health will be invaluable to schools and all Coloradans!
Please vote the whole ballot John Hickenlooper Joe Biden & Kamala Harris
Full access is $55 per person $75 per household $20 for a single program $25 for the awards program
Drop your ballot in a Ballot Box by Nov. 3 For info on Ballot Boxes, Voting, and Ballot Measures, visit:
GarCoDems.org Together, We Can Win
Paid for by the Garfield County Democratic Party. Registered Agent Donna Yost. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT Be well
Is this the real life?
Bill of health
Pitkin County Public Health is seeing a significant increase in local COVID-19 cases and outbreaks as well as community spread across the county, similar to neighboring counties and across the state. The team also reached out to the venue and other organizations involved in a large wedding in late September after several of the 70-odd guests tested positive. Residents are reminded to avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places and close-contact settings. If you develop COVID symptoms, call your doctor to get tested, stay home and seek medical care if symptoms become life threatening. In addition to support from SB20-205 that requires all employers to provide every employee with paid sick leave for COVID-19.
Discover Virtual Reality (VR) as a new avenue for creative exploration in a series of demonstrations at Carbondale Arts. Get a taste for free from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21, then take a deeper dive in a two-hour session from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 or noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 — $50 for adults and free for teens. Visit carbondalearts.com for tickets and more information.
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period for 2021 prescription drug plans begins on Oct. 15 and continues until Dec. 7. High Country Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers can help you select the best plan to meet your individual needs — call 384-8744 or email mpmoon@coloradomtn.edu to schedule an appointment. Meanwhile, younger folks still paying for health insurance can get information on a new set of health insurance choices for small businesses and individuals in a free webinar from 2:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. Offered by the Valley Health Alliance in conjunction with local chambers of commerce, it’s accessible through the Carbondale Chamber’s Facebook page.
Pave paradise The Carbondale Historical Society is working on a timeline of local history. Among the missing pieces of information is when exactly Main Street was paved. If you have the answer to that — or can think of another major event they may have missed — email news@soprissun.com and we’ll pass it along.
Leave off Leaf and branch recycling is ongoing across from Town Hall, but make sure you keep them separate. Someone recently stuffed ‘em all in together, meaning a whole dumpster will have to be hauled to the landfill instead of a local ranch for composting.
Take action Learn what it takes to become a volunteer tutor with English In Action online from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 15. Volunteering to help an immigrant adult learn English is a great opportunity to make a real impact in your community. No prior teaching experience or Spanish language skills necessary. Call 963-9200 or email info@englishinaction. org for more information or to register.
While we announced the reopening of Red HIll with a cover photo when the parking lot was finished, the official ribbon cutting took place on Oct. 12, giving Garfield County, the Town of Carbondale, Colorado Department of Transportation, Bureau of Land Management, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, Aspen Valley Land Trust and other partners a chance to celebrate. Courtesy photo
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Darren Broome, Matt Alberico and Corey Mineo (Oct. 15); Mary Margaret O’Gara, Mike Grandbois and Ian Edquist (Oct. 18); Hannah Condon (Oct. 19); Gabe Alcala (Oct. 20) ; Lisa Quint (Oct. 22) and Heidi Hendricks (Oct. 21).
COLIN WILHELM Lowering Health Care Costs Protecting Our Rivers Creating New Jobs
Thunder River Theatre Company's online production of Sharr White's poignant two-actor play "Annapurna" runs Oct. 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24 — visit thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets and more information. Courtesy photo
Please vote on these critical Ballot Measures!
FOR HD 57 colinwilhelmforcolorado@yahoo.com
970-930-1209 ColinCaresForColorado.com Paid for by the Campaign for Colin Wilhelm.
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
Amendment B — YES Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure
Amendment 76 — NO Citizenship Requirement for Voting Initiative
Prop EE — YES
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increase for Health and Education Programs
Prop 113 — YES National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
Prop 115 — NO 22-Week Abortion Ban
Prop 116 — NO
Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55%
Prop 117 — NO
For more detailed information, visit:
GarCoDems.org Paid for by Debbie Bruell Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR
Prop 118 — YES
Paid Family and Medical Leave Program for Colorado
Ballot Issue 7A — YES Colorado River Water Conservation District
& Roaring Fork Angels
MOUNTAIN PITCH SUMMIT 2020 WATCH LOCAL BUSINESSES PITCH FOR VENTURE CAPITAL
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28 @ NOON REGISTER ONLINE @ COVENTURE.IO Host: Diana Peiffer of The Stabers Group Judges: Tyler Moebius, Shawn Bertini & Hailey Picchini FEATURING
Revel Bikes (CEO Adam Miller) :: Striving to make the best full suspension bikes in the world by using legendary CBF suspension design, incredible carbon layup technology and top talent. Campground Booking (CEO Heath Padgett) :: Helping campgrounds save time and boost occupancy through their campground management software and powerful booking engine. QuikRStuff (CEO Bryan Wachs) :: The highest-quality aluminum receiver-hitch bike carrier available. It fits any kind of vehicle and is ready to carry your mountain, road, fat tire or e-bikes. With the optional add-on, you can bring the whole team by loading up to four bikes. Gina Cucina (Founder Gina D’orazio) :: Delicious, all-natural soup, humus and more. Made from non-GMO, organic ingredients. Available in retail stores and online for delivery to your doorstep. Mountain Flow Eco Wax (CEO Peter Arlein) :: Eco-friendly, plant-based ski and snowboard wax. High performance, biodegradable wax that works in all conditions. Just as fast as conventional wax. Great Glide. Easy to Apply. Go Fast. Be Green. Beyul Retreat Center (Founder Abby Stern) :: Destination resort offering comprehensive wellness retreats, vacations stays and corporate events at the Diamond J Ranch, a flagship property on the Roaring Fork River.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 5
You
Our Valley
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire and build community within the Roaring Fork Valley, and we invite you to help us champion this cause. Mission and purpose The Sopris Sun is the only nonprofit print newspaper in the Roaring Fork Valley and we have made it part of our mission to support other nonprofits, charities and worthy organizations in our community. Gifting advertising spreads exponential love. When individuals and companies underwrite advertising for nonprofits in The Sun, they help not just one organization, but also allow the newspaper to employ the people who bring you quality content each week. These generous underwriters are helping to ensure that the entire community continues to benefit from free, local, independent journalism. Most importantly, these advertisements get help to those individuals that need it the most!
Paying it forward With the help of underwriters, The Sopris Sun has provided well over $30,000 of free and discounted advertising to nonprofits such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• Roaring Fork Sierra Club • Senior Matters • SoL Theatre Company • Spellbinders • The Buddy Program • Thunder River Theatre Aspen Center for Environmental Studies • Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Aspen Community Foundation • Valley Settlement Project Aspen Hope Center • VOICES Aspen Jewish Community Center • Way of Compassion AspenOut • Wilderness Workshop Aspen Valley Land Trust • YouthZone Carbondale Arts Carbondale Homeless Assistance Please consider partnering with The CLEER Sopris Sun in support of your favorite Colorado Animal Rescue nonprofit organization. Davi Nikent English in Action Family Visitor Program By becoming an underwriter, you can Garfield County Senior Program make a meaningful impact upon our Gay For Good - Rocky Mountain community for as little as $25 a week. KDNK Lift-Up As a reader, you can help us Literacy Outreach out by thanking our advertisers National Alliance on Mental Illness for supporting our community National Brain Tumor Society newspaper! Simply let them know Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Roaring Fork Schools you saw them here.
Contact Todd Chamberlin today to ask how you partner with us and your favorite nonprofit! Todd Chamberlin | adsales@soprissun.com | 970-510-0246
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
Growing to meet the needs of valley youth Stepping Stones embarks on capital campaign By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent
It’s not hard to convince someone to grab a post workout burrito or to catch up over coffee in this town, but did you know that this month your burritos and lattes will do a lot more than fill your social calendars? Throughout the month of October, FirstBank Colorado has teamed up with Dos Gringos and Carbondale Creamery and Cafe to donate up to $10,000 to support Stepping Stones’s Capital Campaign; and for every burrito purchased at Dos and latte and croissant purchased at the Creamery, FirstBank will donate $5 directly to the campaign. As a community-based youth mentoring program, Stepping Stones strives to meet the needs of youth by providing consistent adult and peer interactions within safe environments. Founded nearly six years ago by current Board of Directors president Kristin Nelson, Stepping Stones opened its doors to support teens and their families. Operating mostly as a clinical space, they provided immediate crisis services, but as the community’s needs started to evolve, Nelson and her staff quickly recognized the opportunity to serve more kids. “We have kids of all different backgrounds and challenges,” Executive Director Kyle Crawley said.
“We decided after a couple of years that we also wanted to start a program for youth - the middle school program — in an effort to work on the prevention side of things and to get ahead of some of the challenges we were seeing from some of the kids.” Since starting the middle school program, Stepping Stones has transitioned into their commercial space located on Highway 133 and currently supports over 200 individuals ranging in age from 10 to 21 years old. At Stepping Stones, kids are offered a spectrum of services; from completing job applications, to playing video games with friends, to receiving mentoring services from full-time professionals, kids can grow both mentally and emotionally. To accommodate physical needs, kids are able to take advantage of shower and laundry services as well as daily community meals. “The amount of dedication and time you can give to kids is an important part of our model,” Crawley said. “Some of these kids are here 100 plus days a year and spending 15 hours a week here. We can really honor the youth journey by giving them the time and effort it deserves.”
Expanding Support True to its nature, Stepping Stones once again heeded the call of the community as interest continued to
GOING on NOW!
rise and the need to expand services became apparent. “We’ve been functioning in these residential settings, so [the remodel] will be a space specifically designed for youth and their needs,” Crawley said. “It’s going to be a whole revamp of the facility.” The campaign includes a massive initiative to remodel their 5,000 square foot commercial building in Carbondale and connect it to their adjacent 2,500 square foot residential home. Included in the remodel is a wellness center, a large commercial kitchen, a beautiful new outdoor recreation space with a basketball court and a lounge, in addition to new furniture and appliances to encourage a warm and welcoming space for youth to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Beginning in 2020, Crawley said they had an ambitious goal of completing the remodel by the end of 2020. However, like many other organizations across the nation, COVID-19 took precedence and Stepping Stones had to reevaluate their timeline. “When Covid happened we put a pause on the campaign and we pivoted towards serving our families and their needs during COVID,” Crawley said. “We called all 200+ families that we serve and did a needs assessment with them, and overwhelmingly there was a
Kids at Stepping Stones participate in a spectrum of free programs to help facilitate emotional, mental, and physical health. Courtesy photo need for financial assistance.” Crawley said that about 80 percent of the families they serve had at least one parent lose their job and that all families were struggling financially. To support their families, Stepping Stones connected with donors to set up a COVID relief fund and together they raised over $100,000 for their families in need. In early August, once families started to feel settled, Stepping Stones restarted the capital campaign and is now ready to move forward. Stepping Stones still needs to
raise $120,000 for the remodel. Your generous donation will not only open the doors to a new facility, but it will also support the continuous growth of a nonprofit that truly believes every child is worthwhile.
Ready to donate? Direct Donation: https://www. steppingstonesrfv.org/capitalcampaign Indirect Donation: Visit Dos Gringos or Carbondale Creamery and Cafe for a burrito and latte
Contact: Kyle Crawley, 970-340-2100 kyle@steppingstonesrfv.org
D
id you know early fall is a great time for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, spring flower bulbs, grasses, and wild flower seeds? Cooler temperatures, still warm soils, rains, plant dormancy combine to create ideal planting conditions. Here is one more great reason to plant now ...
WE'RE HAVING A SALE! Come in early for best selection. Sale is limited to stock on hand.
Trees and shrubs 25-50% off Pottery & select garden art 40% off Perennials 40% off Other specials throughout the store
STORE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Sundays
EagleCrestNursery.com Remember: Senior Day is every Tuesday. 15% off storewide for 62+ year olds.
400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 970-963-1173 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 7
Seafood straight from Alaska
By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent
Some Carbondalians may already be familiar with the name Bristol Bay, but the new City Market is due to have an increased supply of sockeye salmon from the region with a marketing look that aims to tell a story. Fishermen and women have been harvesting a bounty of sustainable salmon for over 130 years on Bristol Bay — home to the world's largest wild salmon run — in southwestern Alaska. “Bristol Bay is an important part of the American food system,” said Matt Aboussie with Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA). “We developed a program that partners with seafood distributors and retail chains across the country to introduce Bristol Bay sockeye salmon to places that don’t typically carry it or bring the story of Bristol Bay into places that already sell it but maybe don’t call it out by name,” Aboussie stated. BBRSDA has partnered with Seattle Fish Co. based out of Denver. Seattle Fish supplies the King Soopers / City Market franchise which spans Colorado. “We had an opportunity to work with Seattle Fish and they said ‘we think there’s an opportunity for promotion with King Soopers / City Market,’ and we were able to work that out,” Aboussie stated, “And so later this month you’ll see that come to life in stores across the state — including here in Carbondale.” The new marketing campaign will aim to, “Include good storytelling and bring value back to the fishermen.”
According to Aboussie the fishery in Bristol Bay employs roughly 8,000 independent small boat fishermen — women and men who come from nearly every state. However, “Each fishing vessel is its own independent business and independent entity,” he clarified. BBRSDA is a conglomerate of those commercial fishermen, “Which pays collectively one percent of their harvest revenue to support the promotion and the sale of the salmon that comes out of that region,” said Aboussie, “The Bristol Bay brand doesn’t sell anything per se, we just promote the seafood from the region and the fishermen who make their livelihood there.” Aboussie himself has fished in Bristol Bay for 12 seasons and lives the rest of the year right here in Carbondale. He is not alone. Dan Berg, also a Carbondale resident as well as a seasonal ski-patrolman, fishes on the same crew as Aboussie. Berg echoed his colleague and stated, “Each boat is it’s own small business so when you buy Bristol Bay fish you are supporting small businesses nationwide.” The harvest season is relatively short — about six weeks total — and takes place primarily in June and July. Boats are limited to 32 feet in length and gillnets are used to catch troves of sockeye in the bay. “It happens in an intense fashion,” said Aboussie, “And the fish come back most heavily around the Fourth of July,” by the millions. In 2020 over 40 million sockeye salmon were harvested in the area. “The sustainability aspect of Bristol Bay is central to the fishery,” he went on. Therefore, the salmon run is managed by the State of
Carbondalian Dan Berg flashes his mug and that of a sockeye salmon while on the job in Bristol Bay. Courtesy photo Alaska to ensure a reasonable number of salmon make it up the rivers to reproduce. “The fishermen in the region want to see the salmon that they work hard to catch served on dinner plates across the country,” he added, “They want people to know where this place is and how valuable it is to every household in America.” According to conservationists the area’s ecosystem is continuously jeopardized by an ongoing drive to open the mineral rich landscape to mining. Northern Dynasty Minerals Limited (NDML) pushed to acquire a permit to mine a large deposit of copper, gold and molybdenum (a type of metal) known as the Pebble Deposit at the headwaters of two rivers that feed Bristol Bay..
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SAVE THE THE DATE! SAVE DATE!
D
G
AR FIEL
SENIOR
LAW DAY
ALPINE LEGAL SERVICES • AREA AGENCIES ON AGING
LIVE EVENT
Virtual EVEnt
VIDEO REPLAY EVENT
Friday, November 13
Friday, Tuesday, watch online at alpinelegalservices.org October 25 October 29 This year’s Roaring Fork Senior Law Day will be a virtual experience! You will have the option to watch and re-watch a host of presentations on various topics at your leisure. Basalt Middle School Rifle CMC Auditorium
pmbe open for viewing starting Friday, – 4 pm 9 am – 4will 9 am Presentations November 13th. In addition to the presentations, you will also have the opportunity to sign up for and schedule 1:1 legal consultations with attorneys. Complimentary Lunch Served (RSVP Required) Presentations will be available for viewing at alpinelegalservices.org. Stay tuned for more information!
FREE copy of the 2019 Colorado Senior Law Handbook Topics for all attendees —Covered: while supplies last • Wills & Trusts • Guardian & Conservatorship • End of life decision making • Scams targeting older adults • Estate planning • Local resources for older adults in Probate · Powers of Attorneys · Living Wills Fork · Estates • Alzheimer’s and dementia the Roaring Valley · Trusts
Guardianships · Conservatorships · Common Scams · Fraud Consultations · Planning for Long Term Care · & More!
Brought to you by: One-On-One
REGISTER NOW AT:
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
RoaringForkSeniorLawDay2019.eventbrite.com • 970-945-8858
“Under the Obama administration they used the Clean Water Act to bar the permitting process,” Aboussie said, “And that was what we all thought was going to be the end of the story.” “That was largely rolled back under the Trump administration,” Aboussie went on, “And there was renewed opportunity for the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) [a subsidiary of NDML] to try and pursue the permit.” Recently, the Army Corp of Engineers shot down a proposal — also citing the Clean Water Act — but has left the door open for further discussion. “The fact of the matter is there is still a lot of material in the ground up there and someone may still want to develop it,” Aboussie stated.
Bears are back! All garbage or refuse containers must be stored in a secured enclosed area or own a bear resistant container. (Except on collection day between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.) Up to $1,000 fine for violating trash/ bear ordinance! WARNINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED! Carbondale Police Department (970) 963-2662. Carbondale Town Ordinance: Sec. 7-3-60 (b) No person, including but not limited to an owner, occupant, lessee, person in possession or control, homeowners’ association officer, property manager or agent of a given premises, shall place any refuse or garbage container in any street, alley or other public place or upon any private property, whether or not owned by such person, within the Town, except in proper containers for collection, as provided in Section 7-3-50 above. No person shall place any such refuse or garbage container in any public street right-of-way for trash collection purposes by the Town or a private trash hauler, except for on the day collection occurs. For purposes of determining compliance with this requirement, refuse and garbage containers may be stored in a public street right-of-way only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection. Placement of refuse or garbage containers outside of this time period shall result in the levying of fines, pursuant to Subsection (g) below. Except for between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection, and except in the instance that a refuse or garbage container is bear-resistant, as defined in Section 7-3-10 above, all refuse and garbage containers must be stored in secure enclosures when not out for collection.
Help keep the bears out of town and Carbondale safe.
CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER PRESENTS
Settings LIMITED EDITION 2020
an online auction October 23rd-November 1st COLLABORATING ARTISTS
Giana Grossman + Cate Tallmadge, Louise Deroualle + Claire Green, Lisa Ellena + Andrew Roberts-Gray, Jenn Weede + Ali O’Neal, Jenn Weede + Abby Mandel, Adam Ting + Leah Aegerter, Kaitlyn Getz + Staci Dickerson, Savanna LaBauve + Brian Colley, Savanna LaBauve + Agneta Wettegren, Matt Eames + Boo & Finni, Matt Eames + Cate Tallmadge, Steven Colby + Stanley Bell, Sam Harvey + Reina Katzenberger, Liz Heller + Dave Kodama
EVENT SPONSORS
Dr. Bert & Dyana Furmansky
w w w.carb o nd a le c lay.org/settings-limit ed- ed it ion - 2020 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 9
To Gallagher or not?
State wrestles with property tax stipulations By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
It’s a major ballot question that could determine the state’s fiscal future. Should the Gallagher Amendment to the Colorado constitution, adopted in 1982, be repealed? The amendment required residential property to comprise no more or less than 45 percent of total statewide valuation. The Colorado Sun explained the Gallager repeal is Amendment B. Amendments are changes to the Colorado Constitution, and a proposition is a change to state law. In 1992, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) passed, restricting revenues for all levels of government (state, local and special districts). Under TABOR, state and local governments cannot raise taxes without voter approval and cannot spend excess revenues collected under existing tax rates. For Mayor Dan Richardson, the repeal is “Something I’ve had my sights on for years. When it passed, residential was a small percentage” of property taxes. He remarked, “The current structure doesn’t work for commercial property.” Bill Kane, Basalt mayor, concurred, saying the Town has supported repeal and has written Eagle County commissioners about this. He noted that keeping Gallagher would impact special districts including the fire department and the library. Commercial properties have carried the burden. and some businesses may have to close. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection Chief Rob Goodwin strongly supported the repeal noting in a recent district mailing, “Voters approved a funding level in 2018, but the effects
of the Gallagher amendment will reduce that amount over 76 percent, almost negating the revenues that were approved by district voters.” The budget impact, he explained, could extend response times to emergencies, including medical care and wildfire. Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scheer said mill levels can be adjusted to keep revenues stable. He questioned “Do we want our roads plowed?” Kathy Chandler-Henry, also an Eagle County commissioner, agreed saying, “It’s a step in the right direction.” Spearheading the push for repeal is Reeves Brown, project manager of Building a Better Colorado (BBCO) who participated in a recent Basalt Library online meeting concerning Gallagher. Reeves said, “Under TABOR, the state has returned more than $2 billion to taxpayers rather than using these funds to pay for K-12 education, higher education, transportation, public health service, public safety and other services.” He explained the history behind Gallagher, “It was the culmination of a property tax revolt that began in Colorado in the late 1970s as a result of Colorado’s robust population growth. It froze the ratio of the total value of non-residential and residential property to 1982 levels so that residential property in Colorado would always constitute approximately 45 percent of the total valuation.” With repeal, Reeves said, residential property will remain assessed at the current 7.5 percent level, and non-residential will stay at 29.5 percent. The only changes will be from the taxation area’s mill levy increase or decrease.
Got Drugs?
Carbondale Fire held its annual open house where adults and kids enjoyed meeting Sparky, the fire dog. Rather than banking on the statewide Gallagher repeal passing, the fire special district is pursuing its own de-brucing measure as a safety net. Courtesy photo National Federation of Independent Business head Tony Gagliardi said keeping Gallagher will cause bankruptcies. “With everything going on in the world, Gallagher will be the end of a lot of small businesses,” Gagliardi said. “There’s just no doubt: if it’s not repealed, we lose more shops, restaurants and small businesses.” In a September op-ed in the Denver Post in September, columnist Hank Brown stated, “Gallagher is a sledgehammer on small businesses, forcing 20 percent of Colorado’s property owners to pay 55 percent of Colorado’s property taxes. It imposes higher taxes on small businesses and ranchers, and it is squeezing local funding for firefighting and sheriff departments, for local schools and for local safety net services for the developmentally disabled.”
Simply stated (as much as is possible) Gallagher put a halt on what was described as uncontrolled residential property tax increases. But not everyone is in favor of repeal. In the same Denver Post edition, a guest commentary by Kim Ransom and Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, countered that repeal is an “all-or-nothing” statewide proposition raising residential property taxes on both property owners and renters. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said he’s opposed to Gallagher repeal, “I think it’s protected residential taxes. And, I’m not supportive of new taxes.” However John Martin, Garfield County commissioner stated, “Gallager served its purpose. Now the repeal freezes non-residential and residential assessments. I think it is the right step.”
¿Tienes medicamentos?
Turn in your unused or expired household prescription and over-the-counter medication for safe disposal
Entregue sus medicamentos no usadas o vencidas y medicamentos de venta libre para eliminación segura
Saturday, October 24th - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sábado 24 de octubre - 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m.
The disposal location is: Carbondale Police Department
La ubicación de disposición es: Departamento de Policía de Carbondale
511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662
511 Colorado Avenue, Suite 911 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-963-2662
The following items WILL NOT be accepted:
Needles & Sharps • Mercury (thermometers) • Oxygen Containers • Chemotherapy/Radioactive Substances • Pressurized Canisters • Illicit Drugs
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
Los siguientes artículos NO serán aceptados:
Agujas y punzones • Mercurio (termómetros) • Recipientes de oxígeno • Quimioterapia / Sustancias radiactivas • Frascos Presurizados • Drogas Ilícitas
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Where do you live? By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff
For the Roaring Fork Valley, unwrapping the layers of government is sort of like peeling an artichoke to get to its heart. The question then becomes what are the layers, and how important are they? The outermost layer is the federal system. The national government oversees the military, foreign affairs and federal taxes, federal courts, among others. Then come the states, of which there are 50 — our array of territories, reservations and the District of Columbia is a topic for another time. States are responsible for their constitutions, national guard, state motor vehicle issues, state police, taxes, courts and more. Each state has its own government, with a governor and elected legislatures. Each state has its own system of dividing up the region into counties or parishes (Louisiana). Colorado has 64 counties. Locally, the Roaring Fork Valley includes parts of four: Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin and Gunnison. According to Colorado Counties, Inc. (ccionline.org), “county responsibilities include sheriffs, unincorporated areas, public health, business and licensing, elections, irrigation districts plus
other issues.” Some, like Garfield, adopt a standard set of rules provided by the state. Others, like Pitkin, are “home rule,” which allows them to, among other things, change the number of commissioners and how they’re elected. Typically — though not always — smaller than that are incorporated municipalities and special districts. Cities and towns are limited to exercising powers specifically granted to them by state law — again, with statutory and home rule variants. Some, like Basalt and Snowmass Village, encompass large areas outside the developed core. Others, like Carbondale, don’t even include some contiguous sections, like Satank, the area around the Red Rock Diner and the mobile home park along Snowmass Avenue. Redstone isn’t incorporated at all. The Town of Carbondale uses sales tax to maintain utilities like water and sewer, contracts with outside companies for trash and power, sets building codes and zoning and otherwise runs affairs within city limits. Police powers enable municipalities to enforce local laws, as well as enact measures to preserve and protect the safety, health and welfare of the community. Fire and ambulance service,
If you can read this, you can help!
970@-lit9er4ac5yo-ut5reac2h.8or2g office
Courtesy graphic however, is provided by a separate special district, which gains most of its funding through property taxes. Marble, meanwhile, gets its water from a non-municipal organization. Special districts also fund education (Roaring Fork School District and Colorado Mountain College), recreation (Crown Mountain Park), hospitals (Grand River Health) and water (Colorado River Conservation). These entities are independent of municipal or county control,
governed by their own elected boards and voter discretion. All these boundaries overlap and sometimes have gaps, which can lead to confusion. Perhaps the biggest source of confusion are zip codes, which really just determine which post office delivers your mail. But in El Jebel, both 81621 and 81623 can be accepted for the same address. And some areas within the Carbondale zip code — but far from town limits — are actually part of the Town of Basalt.
BUSINESS C O N F LU E N C E CARBONDALE THROUGH CHANGE – EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY
OCT 21 WEDNESDAY
12:00 – 2:00pm Interactive VIRTUAL Format
Often, unincorporated areas have their own neighborhood names — based on censusdesignated places like Emma, developments like Swiss Village, or just common usage like Missouri Heights. So while it’s probably easier to just introduce yourself as a Carbondalian to most folks, there might be a more specific option for those in the know. Will Grandbois contributed to this report.
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Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 11
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GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO NOTICE OF NOVEMBER GENERAL MAIL BALLOT ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Election Date:
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Type:
Mail Ballot with in-person voting options at Voter Service & Polling Centers
Election Hours:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day
Ballots will be mailed between October 9th and October 16th to active registered voters Voters who do not receive a ballot packet may request a replacement ballot by phone at 970-384-3700 option 2, fax at 970-947-1078 or email at elections@garfield-county.com. The last day to request that a ballot be mailed is Monday October 26, 2020. After that date voters must appear in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center to request a replacement ballot, register to vote, or complete a change of address and receive a ballot. Any voter may surrender their mail ballot and cast their vote on an ADA accessible ballot marking device at an Early Voting Center (VSPC); located at the County FairgroundsSouth Hall in Rifle or Glenwood Springs Community Center beginning Monday October 19, 2020. Each VSPC open on Election Day will have at least one ADA accessible ballot marking device available for use from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Return voted ballots by mail with appropriate postage affixed ($0.55 stamp) or you may hand deliver your ballot to one of the designated drop-off sites listed below. Mail ballots by October 26, 2020 to make sure the ballot will arrive at the courthouse for processing on or before Election Day. Ballots must be received at a Voter Service and Polling Center or a designated drop-off site by 7:00 pm on Election Day to be counted. Postmarks do not count. Verify your voter registration information and track your ballot (sent and received) at www.govotecolorado.gov.
Ballot Drop-off sites – Beginning October 12, 2020 Garfield County Courthouse 108 8th St. Glenwood Springs, CO East Entrance M – F 7:30 am – 5:00 pm 24/7 Drop-Box on 8th St New Castle Town Hall 450 W Main Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Carbondale Town Hall 511 Colorado Ave 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Garfield County Administration Building 195 W 14th St Bldg. D, Rifle, CO 24/7 Drop-Box near building entrance Silt Town Hall 231 N 7th Street 24/7 Drop-Box Front Entrance
Parachute Town Hall 222 Grand Valley Way 24/7 Drop-Box Near Front Entrance
Please note the Town Clerks will not be accepting ballots in their offices for this election.
Early Voting - Voter Service & Polling Centers Open October 19 to November 3 — Excluding Sunday
Garfield County Fairground — South Hall 1001 Railroad Ave Rifle, CO Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturday October 31, 2020 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Glenwood Springs Community Center — use West entrance 100 Wulfsohn Rd Glenwood Springs, CO
Election Day Tuesday November 3, 2020 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
One additional Voter Service and Polling Center available Election Day Only, November 3, 2020 Carbondale Town Hall -511 Colorado Ave open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
There will be no in-person Voting on November 3, 2020 at the New Castle, Silt, or Parachute Libraries or the Garfield County Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse in Glenwood Springs so plan ahead and take advantage of early voting at the Fairgrounds -South Hall in Rifle or the Glenwood Springs Community Center. Designated Election Official: Jean M. Alberico, Garfield County Clerk & Recorder 384-3700 x 1820
Sample Ballots available at www.garfield-county.com Questions: 970-384-3700 Option 2 for Garfield County Elections Department 12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
Mail-in voting is old hat in Colorado How to vote
An Eagle County voter takes advantage of a 24-hour drop box. Photo by Olivia Emmer “approximately 30 to 40 percent of all ballots voted and returned for an election come in on election day.” This large number of ballots takes time to process, particularly in a pandemic year where ballot processing staff need to social distance. Alberico’s hope is that more voters will return their ballots early this year, so her team can keep up with processing. Anxious to know you’ve voted successfully? All Colorado voters can track their ballots by signing up for BallotTrax at GoVoteColorado.gov. And for those who prefer to vote in person, early voting centers open Oct. 19 with additional voting centers available on Nov. 3.
NO SHAME SAVINGS
COOPERATIVE SALE
Pitkin County
“Voting in Colorado is safe, secure, and accessible...” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a recent press release. “Since 2018, across Colorado, drop boxes have increased by 55 percent and 42 voting centers have been added, enabling more Coloradans to have easy access to voting.” This year, with rumors swirling about the USPS, and mail service slowed by the pandemic, some voters aren’t sure they can count on timely delivery of their ballots. According to the Colorado Secretary of State, voters should return their ballot by drop box or voting center after Oct. 26, to ensure their ballots are received by the 7 p.m. Nov. 3 deadline. Postmarks do not count. According to Garfield County Clerk and Recorder, Jean Alberico,
Garfield County
Voting has begun in Colorado. Ballots were sent out to registered voters on Oct. 9. Not yet registered? Not to worry. In Colorado you can register and vote through Election Day. Hoping to avoid voting in person? Make sure to register and request your mail-in ballot by Oct. 26. After that date you’ll need to visit a voter service and polling center to obtain a ballot. Despite national political noise about mail-in voting providing an opportunity for voter fraud, the data doesn’t back up those claims. In recent testimony to congress, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, “We have not seen, historically, any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort in a major election, whether it's by mail or otherwise." Additionally, when it comes to Colorado’s system, Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Jean Alberico noted that, “In March of 2018, the Pew Foundation reported that Colorado was the safest place in the country to vote. Mainly because there is a paper ballot for every voter and none of our voting systems, by statute, are connected to the internet.” In response to the pandemic, many states have been scrambling to implement a mail-in voter system for the first time. Colorado’s current mail-ballot and sameday registration system has been in place since 2013, a system that has been regularly held up as a national model for high voter registration and turnout.
Eagle County
By Olivia Emmer Sopris Sun Correspondent
Early voting drop boxes Town of Basalt 101 Midland Ave.
Early and election day voting center El Jebel Clerk and Recorder's Office 20 Eagle County Dr.
El Jebel Clerk and Recorder’s Office 20 Eagle County Dr.
More info
https://bit.ly/3lEKqbg
More info
Early voting drop boxes Carbondale Town Hall Near the front entrance 511 Colorado Ave.
Early and election day voting center Glenwood Springs Community Center Use west entrance
Garfield County Courthouse 109 8th St.
Election day only voting center Carbondale Town Hall
https://bit.ly/3dp1QG7
Early voting drop boxes Town of Basalt 101 Midland Ave.
Election day only drop boxes The Church of Redstone 0213 Redstone Blvd.
Election day only voting center Basalt Regional Library 14 Midland Ave.
Carbondale Town Hall Early and election Near the front entrance day voting center 511 Colorado Ave. Aspen Jewish This is a Garfield County Community Center drop box - ballots will be 435 W. Main St. transferred.
More info
https://bit.ly/3nMpAIW
When to vote
Oct. 19: If you haven’t received your ballot, please contact your Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Oct. 26: The deadline to register or update your registration and receive a ballot in the mail. Oct. 26: Last advised day to return a
ballot through the mail. After this date, voters should return their ballot to a drop box or vote center. Nov. 3: You can register and vote in person up to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day. Postmarks do not count.
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 13 RECIPES AVAILABLE:
Self storage hearing continued By John Colson Sopris Sun Correspondent
Carbondale's Board of Trustees crept a step closer to approving a proposed 590-unit self-storage facility near the intersection of Cowen Drive and Highway 133, though there remain some concerns among the trustees and some members of the public. Among the issues yet to be worked out by the town and the developers are questions about how motorists would get into and out of the site from Highway 133, and whether a proposed “voluntary” 2-percent per-unit fee — anticipated to generate $20,000 per year meant to be split between the town and the Carbondale Arts organization for maintenance of infrastructure and artwork installed at the site — is sufficient. In addition, the trustees discussed two letters from interested citizens — former Carbondale Mayor Michael Hassig and Jason White, a planner for Roaring Fork Transportation Authority — that questioned the whole idea of having the self-storage project built at all in its proposed location, and whether this particular business is appropriate smack in the middle of the area long characterized as the “entrance” to Carbondale. Consideration of the project application, including annexing and
rezoning the property, conducting a Major Site Plan Review and a requested Conditional Use Permit, was continued to a meeting on Nov. 10. The project, including an apartment for an on-site manager, would be built on a 2.6-acre parcel on the west side of the highway, sandwiched between the Roaring Fork Tire Center to the north and an Xcel Energy electricity substation to the south, with a mobile-home park immediately to the west of the site. The site currently is located in Garfield County's jurisdiction, as are several adjacent properties, and the application anticipates annexation of the land into the town, which puts it under the town's review rather than the county's. Some members of the Board of Trustees, starting with Ben Bohmfalk, noted that if the town does not approve the site plan in some form, it is likely that the developers could turn to Garfield County for approval under the county's less stringent development controls. During the Oct. 13 online board meeting, questions arose about the proposal to have entry and exit from the site restricted to “right-in” and “right-out” turns only. This would force drivers leaving the property to turn right, toward
Mt. Sopris, and find a place to turn around if they wanted to head north toward Highway 82. At the same time, drivers approaching from the south, prohibited from turning left into the site, would have to bypass the entrance and find a place to turn around, come back from the north and make the right-turn into the site. The applicants believe that this arrangement can work due to the low volume of traffic expected at the business, but there were concerns among some town officials that it could lead to confusion and safety issues. As for the fee, some officials wondered if the $20,000 will be adequate for the task of maintaining infrastructure, including trails, and the artwork that is meant to beautify the complex.
In other action, trustees… • Held the first of several public hearings on the town's $18.7 million budget for 2021. • Increased the trash-hauling fee for town residents and businesses by 1.9 percent, which translates to about $1 per month for each customer; • Announced that the Board of Trustees will begin holding meetings in-person beginning with next week’s work session, though the public can still participate via Zoom.
Outdoor Walk-up flu clinics:
Garfield County Public Health | **weather permitting**
Friday, October 16, 11 am – 2 pm
Rifle Branch Library | 207 East Ave. - East Street Parking Area
Saturday, October 17, 1 pm – 3 pm
Carbondale Branch Library | 320 Sopris Ave. – South Courtyard Area
Thursday, October 22, 12 pm - 3 pm
Glenwood Springs Branch Library | 815 Cooper Ave. - Courtyard Area
Friday, October 23, 12 pm – 2 pm
Ritter Plaza, New Castle | across from the New Castle Branch Library
Accepting Medicaid, Medicare Part B, CHP+, RMHP, BCBS, and UHC Cost without insurance: $15 children | $25 adults | $60 high-dose vaccine (for those 65 and older • Please remember to wear your mask without Medicare Part B) • You will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to administration of your flu vaccine
Public Health: Rifle 970-625-5200 | Glenwood Springs 970-945-6614
www.garfield-county.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
Cop Shop From Sept. 18 through Oct. 8, Carbondale Police handled 705 calls for service. During that period, officers investigated the following cases of note: SATURDAY Sept. 19 at 12:58 p.m. A 38-year-old was arrested for enticement of a child and sex assault on a minor by one in a position of trust. SUNDAY Sept. 20 at 12:29 a.m. Both parties were arrested after a domestic violence call. SUNDAY Sept. 20 at 1:53 a.m. Another domestic violence call led to a controlled substances investigation, with a car search pending a warrant. SUNDAY Sept. 20 at 1:18 p.m. Police responded to a disturbance at the RFTA Park and Ride and ended up arresting a 34-year old for disorderly conduct and felony menacing. SUNDAY Sept. 20 at 11:36 a.m. A traffic stop for driving on the wrong side of the road led to a DUI summons. MONDAY Sept. 21 at 10:26 p.m. Officers contacted the occupants of a car parked at Fisherman’s park after hours and ended up citing both with underage possession.
SUNDAY Sept. 27 at 12:04 a.m. A traffic stop for lack of taillights led to a DUI summons. SUNDAY Sept. 27 at 12:06 p.m. Someone reported trespass, theft and criminal mischief. MONDAY Sept. 28 at 7:08 p.m. Someone reported that a man approximately 5’10” tall, wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, hat, and a backpack brandished a gun and attempted to stab him. FRIDAY Oct. 2 at 9:52 a.m. A Pitkin County Deputy contacted police about a concerning social media post by a local high schooler. SATURDAY Oct. 3 at 11:03 p.m. Following a citizen assist phone call, a warrant was issued for assault, child abuse and domestic violence. SUNDAY Oct. 4 at 5:36 p.m. A 30-year-old was arrested on a warrant. TUESDAY Oct. 6 at 7:29 a.m. After a speeding stop, a 37-year-old was summoned for a suspended license.
GUEST
OPINION
By Margaret Donnelly The John M. Fleet Pool opened June 23 and closed its gates Oct. 3. This was my fifth summer managing the Carbondale Pool and I can say this summer season will stick with me always. This season was filled with friendship, laughter, and kindness. First, I want to thank everyone who came through the gates. Everyone had to make a reservation to come to the pool this season. As staff checked people in we would say hello, and ask how they were doing. By the end of the season myself and the staff knew most of the participants by first name, we learned who people were, and what they do in this community. In return, everyone was so kind to the staff and each other, everyone followed the rules, everyone was grateful that we were open even with the restrictions,
A swimmingly successful summer and it was wonderful to create a swimming family. Second, old and new friends were made. The best story was two men who began swimming laps next to each other figured out they were both born in Michigan only a few months apart. They both swam on their rival colleges swim teams. They had attended the same swim camp in college. By the end of the season they were swimming together every day. They finished the season as fast friends who will be getting together with their wives for drinks and BBQs. Third, we did our first pool to peak challenge. The staff and all patrons were invited to participate for free. The challenge was to swim at least 15.9 miles this season. That is the exact distance from the pool to the peak of Mt Sopris as you would normally drive then hike it. We had 12 patrons participate and complete the challenge. As a matter of fact: many participants were on their way down by the end of the season, three patrons summited twice, and a fourth patron was on his way back up for his second summit when we closed. All those who completed the challenge are all getting a fun shirt designed and made by me. I know there are other swimmers out there who completed the challenge. So, if you tally your laps, and I can verify them in our
Fred Malo swam 32 miles (788 laps) this season earning his “Pool to Peak” Challenge t-shirt. Courtesy photo. registration system, please let me know and I will be happy to make you a tee shirt too! Fourth, I want to thank the staff. I love to brag about my staff. We have a mix of staff from 15 to 67 years old and
I love everyone of them. I have some of the most mature, hard-working, fun loving, dedicated staff. They did not bat at eye at the extra sanitizing they had to do this season. They had great suggestions to help things run
smoothly. They showed up for every shift, even if they were 18, it was 5:30 am, and 40 degrees. Most importantly they love to chat it up with everyone who comes to swim. This 2020 season we were open five days a week. We opened one month later than usual and closed one month later than usual. We had 18-24 lap lanes available per day and 8-10 household zones available. We had a total of 1473 lap swimmers throughout the summer. Almost everyday all lap lanes were fully booked. We had a total of 500 families come to the pool. The average number of people in a family group was 4. Meaning approximately 2000 people came during the household zone time slots available. In the peak of the summer all household zones were booked. What this summer proved is that we have a huge need for a community pool. We were able to provide a very safe place for people to social distance while working out and cooling off. Everyone had their own space, but that didn’t stop patrons and staff alike from making friends and interacting safely. We didn’t have a single COVID scare. Thank you to everyone who came this summer. Your gratitude to myself and my staff at the end of the season was overwhelming. Thank you all for your kindness and support. See you all in 2021!
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‘Good enough is great’
GUEST
The place makes the people
OPINION By Ron Rash
RFOV Executive Director There's something about trailbuilding that knocks perfectionists off their feet. As Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) celebrates our 25th year of transforming community members like you into volunteer trail-builders, habitat restorers – and most important – good stewards, our anniversary comes amid one of the most disruptive years in recent memory. As I reflect on the continued success of RFOV, I'm reminded that trails aren't straight lines, that not all seeds sprout, and that the stewardship of our public lands is accomplished when we find common ground in our common dirt. Ain't no compromise that's perfect, so for the silver anniversary of RFOV I want to share with you how "good enough" can actually be great!
Over multiple decades, RFOV volunteers have expanded, refined, and rehabilitated the trails and open spaces of Red Hill. Some of the routes — like Ruthie's Run — zig and then zag, skipping from rock to rock while skirting cliffs and gullies. We developed a plan for Ruthie's before ever putting a shovel in the ground, but long after that blueprint, countless trail users, weather, and shifting hillsides have modified the layout. Those changes aren't bad, they're just...changes! And though it's true that people make a place special, one of the lessons of stewardship is that a place can make the people: Carbondale is unique because Red Hill is unique. We've learned to love our quirks!
Affirm-ability It's got a funny name, but the work of maintaining the Lorax Trail is taken seriously by our volunteers, especially – not despite – their age. Look closely at the trailhead and you'll see that Stepping Stones has officially adopted the trail; RFOV regularly brings other school-groups to the Lorax as well. Stewardship is “caring for the places we care about,” and age doesn't determine how much we care for a trail. With students, RFOV focuses on what can be done, and the stewardship activities that Carbondale schools have accomplished over 25 years are
integral to our community's future. The abilities of our student volunteers shouldn't be doubted! Our students will grow as community members if we continue to nurture that growth by affirming their ability to care for their community at all stages of their life.
Evolving fast and slow Almost as popular as Red Hill is the trail system of Prince Creek. In fact, its popularity as a mountain biking destination grows annually. Add to the balancing act of foot and bike traffic the grazing of animals in the Crown along with seasonal wildlife closures, and the human dimension of Prince Creek becomes even more complex than the undulating terrain. RFOV is grateful that we can organize multiple volunteer trail and restoration projects at Prince Creek every year. By engaging community members of all backgrounds in collective stewardship, everyone can engage in one expansive conversation. I couldn't have predicted the impact Prince Creek would have on Carbondale prior to its development. Now I'm looking forward to its continued evolution as we share in the responsibility for the greatest of our shared resources – the outdoors. Visit www.rfov.org for information.
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LETTERS
Continued from page 2
entities less focused on resource extraction. Emblematic of the rigid, outdated and partisan beliefs of our incumbent commissioners is their support for candidate Boebert…for ”… her political ideology” (Samson) and “…being the Republican candidate” (Martin) (GSPI October 9, 2020). Prefer bluster, inexperience, dated, rigid and partisan decision-making or cooperative, visionary, flexible, energetic candidates? Use your power and vote for Leslie Robinson and Beatriz Soto for Garfield County commissioners and Diane Mitsh Bush for Congress. Greg and Sean Jeung Glenwood Springs
Strength, wisdom, compassion Dear Editor: Is it not time for some intelligence, credibility and experience in Washington? We have lived through chaos, dishonesty, inexperience, no leadership, and egocentric performances for the past four years. It is definitely time to take back democracy and Dianne Mitsch Bush will come to the rescue!! She has had experience in public service (Routt County Commissioner, State Legislator), she stood up to lobbyists, she worked to protect the environment, and she has worked and lived in Western Colorado for 43 years. Someone with her experience and integrity is what we need immediately! Go to dianneforcolorado.com to learn
more about the woman who has the strength, wisdom and compassion to lead us on. Vote on Nov 3, 2020 for our future. Carol Duell Carbondale
Maturity and levelheadeness Dear Editor: I am writing to support Diane Mitsch Bush for Congress. Diane is just what we need in this time as a divided nation. In her role serving in the Colorado State House, Diane reached across party lines and worked tirelessly to advocate for and listen to her constituents’ concerns. Diane supports allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, implementing paid sick leave, and will fight to protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. Lauren Boebert supports policies that would keep health care and prescription drug prices high. She thinks the rules don’t apply to her — she defied health department orders put in place to keep people safe during the pandemic, and is against requiring vaccinations for deadly viruses like measles and meningitis, even during the largest public health crisis of our time. Most importantly Diane clearly has the experience that her opponent Lauren Boebert does not. Diane shows the maturity and level headedness to govern in these highly charged and Continued on page 17
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16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
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LETTERS
Continued from page 16
divisive times. Sheri Gaynor Carbondale
Hiding from scrutiny Dear Editor: Pistol-packin’ Shooters Grill owner Lauren Boebert is running for Congress against Steamboat Springs Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush. Boebert recently sent me a letter soliciting my support for her campaign. Boebert writes that she is pro-freedom, pro-guns, proconstitution, pro-energy, pro-life, pro-Colorado and pro-America. She supports President Trump “100 percent.” She calls Democrats “left-wing lunatics” and uses buzzwords like “socialized medicine,” “AOC,” “the liberal media,” and “Nancy Pelosi” to discredit her opponent. She makes no mention of climate change or healthcare. In no place in her fourpage letter does she single out a single specific program that, if elected, she would oppose or support. So what, exactly, would Lauren Boebert do if elected? We know she owns a restaurant, has four boys, and has had a few run-ins with the law. She likes guns and fries up a mean pork slider. But
the United States Congress is a pretty big step for a political newcomer. Why should we elect someone with no political experience? Only Ms. Boebert can answer that. She pulled out of the Club 20 debate when she was told she wouldn’t have access to the questions beforehand. She has not made herself available to participate in a debate hosted by the Pueblo Chieftain or a forum put on by the League of Women Voters. In order to make an informed choice, voters need more than sound bites and a professed fervent devotion to the president. Ms. Boebert needs to come out of the shadows and face not just her supporters, but her opponent. Ed Colby New Castle
An important endorsement Dear Editor: The recent endorsement from Russ George, Republican and former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives has inspired me to write in support of Candidate Diane Mitsch Bush for the Third
Congressional District seat. His decision to speak out for her rather than Republican Candidate, Lauren Boebert, from his own hometown of Rifle, speaks volumes. He has stated Boebert’s lack of qualification for the position. Diane Mitsch Bush has a proven track record as a legislator. She has a strong background in healthcare, environmental issues and water law. Her ability to listen, build consensus and work within the two party system is clearly obvious as compared to Boebert. Bush has policy positions, Boebert is lacking. Bush has humility, Boebert has bluster. Bush thrives on civil discourse, Boebert thrives on chaos. Bush is a workhorse, Boebert is a show horse. I urge all residents of Congressional District 3 to come together to elect Diane Mitsch Bush. The past four years have brought a spread of hate and fear to our country. It is time for healing and civility. It is time for an independent thinker. Vote for Diane Mitsch Bush. Kathleen K. Barger Carbondale
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www.trudiwj.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 17
OBITUARY
Penelope A. Pappas
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Penelope “Penny” Argiropoulos Pappas, daughter of James “Jim” (d. 1984) and Katherine Argiropoulos (d. 1929), and wife to Demosthenes “Stain” Pappas (d. 2015) The Argiropoulos and Pappas families arrived in Colorado 1890s and early 1900s and were founding members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox parish. Penny’s mother died due to cancer when Penny was 7 years old. Her father remained single and raised Penny and her sister, Katherine, while running the Royal Delicatessen in downtown Denver. Her father was gregarious and loveable and seemed to know every Greek in Colorado as he supplied Greek and German imports to ranchers on the Western Slope, as well as to families and restaurants throughout Denver. During high school and college, Penny helped her father in the delicatessen with the bookkeeping, ordering supplies, and with the food ration stamps during WWII. During the 1940s and 1950s, summers transformed into a special extended family time with fun-filled mountain picnics, often a roasted whole lamb, along with Greek dancing. Often there were more than 60 attendees. Month-long vacations to Glenwood Hot Springs became another family tradition that all the grandchildren loved. Penny married Stain in 1943. Soon after he became a captain in the Air Corps and was stationed for wartime duties in London. He arrived home in 1945 to a son already almost 2 years old. The family was extremely active with the Greek Orthodox church, as Penny was an original member of the choir and was the first church organist. She continued playing for the choir well into the 1960s. Her children were also members of the choir as well as the Greek Orthodox Youth activities. She loved philanthropy and was active in many service organizations. In 1960 she was elected to be Chairman of the Denver Annual March of Dimes fund drive. She had a devoted group of friends in the Greek community, and was forever busy playing bridge, sewing, making church projects and organizing family picnics. She
loved to ski, and encouraged her children to learn as well. Her fondest memories of childhood were the summers. Being motherless, her father would send her and her sister to ranches owned by her father’s friends, or to spend entire summers at a Hot Springs resort in California owned by an uncle, or with relatives in Chicago (both her father’s and mother’s). She loved telling about the train rides to California and Chicago on the California Zephyr, as her father would board both her and her sister alone for the trips. Those were the days! With Stain she owned the Royal Dell Café in East Denver. She also worked at the Denver Public Schools book depository library for the schools. On both Stain’s and her retirement they decided to move to Carbondale to be near her daughter and her family. They bought a modest ranch style house across the Crystal from the former BRB Campground (now KOA). In Carbondale she became friends with almost everyone she met: neighbors, sewing circle ladies, Red Hats and two other lunch groups. She loved to play golf and fish with Stain. She was always active. Never one to sit still, she worked part time in antique shops in Redstone. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. Niko and Mary Ellen write, “There were many times where she would sit with us, telling us how fast time had gone by. Remembering seemingly small moments with family and friends, watching us play when we were young. She reminded us to hold on to those around us and keep track of ‘small’ moments because they are the ones that you keep track of when you grow old.” Matt remembers how welcomed he was to her house, the holiday get-togethers, the great meals when he would drop in unannounced, and how loving both she and Stain were to him. A most generous lady with a huge heart for everyone, she made many friends and was loved by all. She will leave a big hole in so many lives. We love you, mom, and miss you deeply already. Survived by children Dean Pappas (Carbondale), Katherine “Kathy” Piffer (Glenwood Springs), and Ernest “Ernie, EJ” Pappas (Denver), grandchildren Niko Pappas, Matt Piffer, and Mary Ellen Piffer, and great grandchildren Collins and Zeb Piffer. Services were held Oct. 15 at the Greek Orthodox Assumption Cathedral in Denver. She was buried next to her husband, and the rest of her family at Fairmount Cemetery. Donations to Assumption Cathedral, Denver; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish in Grand Junction; or to Greek Orthodox Charities (iocc.org). Visit immigrantcolorado.blogspot.com for Waltcher Gallacher’s April 17, 2018 “Immigrant Stories” interview with Pappas. The funeral service is viewable on Assumption Cathedral’s Facebook page.
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Send submissions to news@soprissun.com 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 15 - October 21, 2020
PARTING SHOT
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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • October 15 - October 21, 2020 • 19
Vote For
Vota Por
Beatriz Soto Democrat for Garfield County Commissioner Demócrata Para Garfield el Comisionado de Condado On Tuesday November 3rd Martes 3 de Noviembre
As County Commissioner Beatriz will: • Expand our senior and child welfare programs • Create accessible medical and mental health costs in our county • Incentivize sustainable and regenerative practices for farmers and ranchers • Establish a 100% clean energy goal for Garfield County • Invest in new economic activity apart from the oil and gas industry • Establish a Climate Action Plan that puts working families first
Meet Beatriz Beatriz is a proud, longtime resident of Garfield County. She established her roots here 22 years ago, so she and her family could thrive alongside this community. As an architect, community organizer, mother, and loyal conservationist, Beatriz is a sought-after activist in Colorado. She is currently the Director of Defiende Nuestra Tierra for Wilderness Workshop whose mission is to protect and conserve the wilderness and natural landscapes of the Roaring Fork Watershed, the White River National Forest, and adjacent public lands. Beatriz believes that it is the obligation of the people in power to recognize and listen to the needs and concerns of all people in our community, not just a select few. Which
is why she works shoulder to shoulder with each and every resident in her efforts to build a more connected, organized and inclusive Garfield County. Beatriz is committed to serving working-class people over corporate interests and advocating for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. She is a Democrat with a vision for the future who is ready to help bring sustainable economic growth, stable and good jobs, and equitable representation to all communities in Garfield County. “My vision for the future is based on the world my son will inherit. I want him to have every opportunity to grow up in a livable climate, in a strong community where everyone is valued and has a voice in the decisions that impact our lives”
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